Away from the maddening Indian crowds

No matter where I was in India, it was hard to get away from the crowds, the hawkers, the scents and sounds of India. But while in the south, I found a beach that stretched as far as a point some kilometres off with not a building or soul in sight. I reached the half way point where the ocean’s tranquility was only disturbed by the thundering surf, when out of the lush coconut palms rushed a lone figure.

I thought I’d escaped the hoards of questions:

“You want hashish?”

“Where from?”

“What is your name?”

I remember sighing, wishing I could have one afternoon to myself when the boy rushed towards me, arms outstretched, presenting me with a green coconut to drink. All he wanted was to alleviate my thirst on a steamy afternoon. I wish I’d been more appreciative.